Sugar Boss

by Charity Parkerson

  “Huh,” Zander grunted, sounding resigned. “It’s officially my birthday now. The curse continues.”

  The pain in Maverick’s chest doubled. “You’re not even sorry, are you?”

  “For wanting all the best things for you? No.”

  Maverick pushed to his feet. “I was on my knees when I confessed some of my deepest worries to you. You stared down into my eyes and lied to me. I’ve never let myself be weak and real with anyone like I have with you these past three months. Thank you for reminding me why.” With one final look at the man who’d stolen his heart and crushed it, Maverick headed for the door. It took every ounce of his strength to stop himself from looking back. His whole world was behind him, and it was all a lie.

  “You’re braver than me,” Zander said, stopping Maverick in his tracks.

  Maverick turned. He couldn’t stop the hope rising in his chest. Surely Zander had something, anything he could say that would wipe away the past two hours of Maverick’s life. He needed Zander to have the words to save them because he didn’t.

  Zander looked more lucid than he had since Maverick walked through the door. “The sheer depth of your courage never ceases to amaze me,” Zander added once he had Maverick’s attention. “Since day one, you’ve treated me like you can’t be hurt. I’m not that strong. If life has taught me anything it’s that I absolutely can be broken. But I’ve given you all that I am. All that I have to give. It’s funny to me how you’ve spent the last three months trying to convince me that my money means less than nothing to you, but now you’re leaving me because I tried helping you with it. I have to wonder, are you really upset I tried to help you with something you care nothing about? Or, are you simply jumping on the first excuse to walk away because you’ve been searching for a way out? Since I’m fucked up, and think I deserve no one, I’ll always believe it was that second one. Either way, on your way out, please tell Yaro I could really use that blunt he found.” On that note, Zander stretched out again, covering his eyes, and obviously done with Maverick. Maverick wanted to scream and fight, but his lungs no longer worked. Without his heart, everything else failed him.

  Seven

  Three months later. Present day…

  Punching and kicking a helpless bag was the only thing keeping Maverick sane. There was nowhere to go with his anger except Powerhouse Training where he worked out each day. He couldn’t talk to anyone. Other than Zander, Maverick didn’t have anyone. Zeke stood feet away, abusing another bag. Even though they’d been friends for years, Maverick couldn’t make his tongue work. He couldn’t tell anyone he’d fallen for a liar. That he’d lost his job. Nothing was right anymore. Each time he opened his mouth to speak, say anything at all, the words jumbled in his throat, and choked him.

  “This kid will cure cancer one day.”

  At Zeke’s yelled announcement, Maverick snapped to attention. His gaze swung the kid in question’s way. Korey lived with Zeke. His older brother, Charlie had been Zeke’s best friend before he’d gotten killed in Afghanistan. Zeke had taken Korey in after the man’s death. His intentions had been pure, Maverick was sure. Now, Korey always watched Zeke, when the man wasn’t looking, in a way Maverick understood too well. How sad for them both?

  Under Zeke’s open praise, Korey blushed.

  A shot of compassion ran through Maverick. This child would be crushed when Zeke didn’t love him back. Maverick knew. He was already there with Zander. He found himself joking with Korey, trying to make it better. “You’ll need that medical degree if you keep hanging out with this guy,” Maverick said, bringing Korey’s unique gray stare his way. He was beautiful—like a perfect porcelain doll. Zeke was an idiot. Maverick wasn’t. He kept talking, hoping to make Korey smile. “An old man fighting past his prime needs a good doctor in his corner.” Zeke dodged as Maverick pretended to jab him in the ribs.

  Korey’s blush disappeared. Defiance flashed in his eyes, making him twice as hot. “Really? Who do you have lined up?”

  An unexpected laugh burbled in Maverick’s throat. He liked Korey. He had spunk.

  “Let me grab my stuff and we’ll head home,” Zeke said, recapturing Korey’s attention. Korey nodded. His hungry gaze followed Zeke as he headed for the locker room. Maverick couldn’t take it. He filled the seat next to Korey.

  “Are you coming to Vegas with Zeke this weekend for his match?” Zeke was the light heavyweight champion and was defending his title. He assumed Korey would be there. Judging by the way Korey’s eyes skirted away, Maverick assumed wrong.

  “I’m not sure,” Korey answered as he shoved books in his backpack. “We haven’t talked about it.”

  Considering it was Thursday and Zeke was fighting on Saturday, Zeke obviously had no intention of taking Korey along. Rage owned Maverick in that moment. What was it about rich, older men? Did they think everyone was just sitting around, waiting for them to find the time to love them? Fuck. Korey was twenty-two. Maverick was twenty-four. They should ditch everyone else.

  “You should go with me.”

  Korey froze in the middle of zipping his backpack. For a moment, he stared at his hands before finishing the job. When he spoke, he sounded unsure. “Um. How do you mean?”

  Maverick’s resolve doubled. Korey was gorgeous. He didn’t deserve to go unnoticed. Without thought, Maverick’s voice turned sultry. He scooted closer. “I thought I could pick you up. We could see the town afterward and you could stay with me.”

  Korey’s beautiful gaze slid Maverick’s way, but he didn’t speak.

  His interest grew. He was making the right choice by leaving the dream of Zander behind. “Or we could skip seeing the town, and you could just stay with me.”

  “The hell you say,” Zeke barked behind him.

  Korey’s gaze snapped to where Zeke stood. He looked guilty. An irritated sigh rose in Maverick’s throat, but he didn’t let it fall. Korey had no reason to feel like he’d done anything wrong. The boy had come to the gym every day, after his final college class, for two years now, watching Zeke. His hot stares had been ignored. Now, it was Maverick’s turn to show him some attention.

  Zeke didn’t let up. “Korey isn’t ruining his life by getting mixed up with any of the no-good fuckers in this building.”

  Maverick didn’t take Zeke’s words to heart. A smile tugged at his lips as he watched Korey come to his feet. Fuck, the guy really was sexy with his perfect hair and runner’s body. “Damn, Zeke. Tell me how you really feel. You should let the boy come out and play for at least one weekend.”

  Korey switched his gaze between them as if he didn’t know how to react.

  Maverick kind of liked keeping him on his toes. Most likely, Korey had never had anyone control him the way Maverick would, but he could learn.

  Zeke didn’t back down. “Let’s go Korey.” The way he headed for the door spoke volumes about how he expected to be obeyed without question.

  Maverick wasn’t that easily intimidated. Instead, he handed Korey’s his number. “Think about my offer. Here’s my number. Let me know.”

  “Let’s go, Korey,” Zeke repeated without looking back.

  Korey didn’t move right away. Instead, he held Maverick’s gaze. One corner of Maverick’s mouth lifted in a smirk. Korey would call. Maverick saw it in his eyes. The guy was every bit as tired of being jerked around as Maverick. Maybe he’d forget Zander after all.

  “What the fuck are you doing?” Hendrix asked, filling the chair Korey had abandoned the moment the boy was gone. “Everyone knows Korey belongs to Zeke.”

  Maverick shrugged. “Then he should stop stringing the guy along.”

  Hendrix’s light green gaze moved over Maverick’s face, seeing too much. “I thought you were dating Kapra.”

  He couldn’t hold Hendrix’s knowing stare. Maverick’s gaze skirted away. “No. It seems you were right about him.”

  “I didn’t want to be right.” Hendrix sounded so sincere, Maverick found himself focusing on the man once more. “Yo
u deserve better,” Hendrix added, holding Maverick’s stare.

  It was on the tip of his tongue to ask who was better than someone willing to buy him. Zander had gotten in his head with his parting shot. Why had he cared so much that Zander tried to help? Maybe he was scared he had a price after all, and Zander might find it. So, he’d ran before he found himself part of a monetary exchange rather than a love affair.

  “I’m not sure that’s true,” Maverick said without thought.

  Hendrix’s lips parted in surprise.

  Maverick couldn’t take everyone seeing his shattered heart. He tried lightening the mood. Without thought, he slapped Hendrix’s thigh and squeezed his leg above the knee. “Don’t worry over me. I always land on my feet like a lion.”

  Hendrix winced.

  “Holy shit. I’m sorry.” Maverick rushed to make it better as he realized what he’d done. Hendrix had once been the top contender for lightweight champion before an accident shattered his leg and ruined his career. The man had worked as a corner man ever since, and Maverick had completely forgotten all about that shit before slapping the man’s bad leg. He rubbed Hendrix’s thigh. “Jesus. I’m a fucking idiot. You should punch me. It would make me feel better.”

  Hendrix set his hand over Maverick’s, stopping his frantic motions. The man’s face was pale, but his smile was sweet. Fuck. He’d really never noticed how beautiful Hendrix was. Maverick didn’t understand how he’d been surrounded by so many great guys and never noticed a single one. “Stop. Please?” Hendrix begged. “You forgot, and that’s what I love about you,” Hendrix said, rubbing Maverick’s hand one more time before pushing it away. “You’re the only one who forgets.” With a final smile, Hendrix pushed from the chair, and walked away. His limp was worse than usual, doubling Maverick’s guilt. It was like he couldn’t stop fucking up everything he touched. Maybe he hadn’t run from Zander to save himself. Maybe he’d been saving Zander from him.

  Korey: Does your offer still stand for Vegas this weekend?

  Maverick: Absolutely. If you’d like, we can leave tonight.

  Korey: Sounds good. Just let me run home and grab some stuff.

  Maverick: Awesome. I’ll send you my address.

  Korey: I’ll be there.

  Zander: Not answering my calls is beneath you.

  Zander: I’ll be in Vegas this weekend. Come find me. Hear me out. Let me fix things.

  Maverick shot to his feet when the knock landed on his door. Anything was better than staring at Zander’s texts, even if it was some neighbor kid trying to sell him candy. He was more than a little surprised to find Korey on the other side. He hadn’t expected the guy for a couple more hours, at least. Maverick eyed Korey. A self-satisfied smile pulled at his lips. Korey was just the distraction he needed. He motioned the guy inside. “Come in.”

  Korey waved off the suggestion. “No. I can’t stay. Sorry. I hate doing this on such short notice, but I just stopped by to tell you I can’t go to Vegas with you this weekend.” Korey couldn’t meet Maverick’s stare.

  There was something wrong. Maverick’s smile fell. Korey never acted like this. “That’s okay. Are you all right? Would you like to come in?”

  “No,” Korey answered, taking him by surprise. “I have to find a new place to live before it gets too late.”

  All Maverick could do was blink. He’d known Zeke would be pissed over Korey choosing to go to Vegas with him, but fuck. “Damn. That doesn’t sound good. Come in. You can stay with me until you’re settled.”

  Korey managed a smile. It was sweet. He finally met Maverick’s stare. “I couldn’t, but thanks.”

  Maverick snagged Korey’s arm before he could get away and dragged him inside. “I wasn’t asking. No offense, but you look like hell. Zeke would kill me if I let you drive away this upset.”

  Korey tried going back out the door at the mention of Zeke’s name. “Fuck Zeke. He doesn’t care about me, and I don’t need anyone telling him where I am.”

  “Nope,” Maverick said, blocking his exit. “You’re staying,” Maverick said, sounding firm even to his ears. He really couldn’t let Korey drive in this shape. He’d never get over the guilt if anything happened to him. “I didn’t say a word about telling Zeke where you are. You’re a grown man. He doesn’t need to know where you are at all times.”

  After eyeing Maverick for a moment, as if assessing his earnestness, Korey nodded. “Thanks. It’s been a rough day. If you’re cool with me crashing on your couch, I’d be forever grateful and out of your hair in the morning.”

  Maverick motioned toward the couch. “I have a guest bedroom and you’re not in my hair. Things haven’t exactly been great for me either today. You’re doing me a favor by agreeing to keep me company.”

  Korey sat without argument. “Why was your day bad?”

  Maverick chose the opposite end of the couch and kicked his feet up onto the coffee table. For a moment, he stared into space, trying to decide how much he should admit. Everything hurt. He didn’t know where to start. Maverick shook his head. “It’s nothing.” He flashed Korey a smile. “Tell me about Zeke. I know he didn’t put you out, so why are you looking for a place to live?”

  Korey dropped his head back on the couch and eyed the ceiling. He crossed his arms over his chest as if the move could protect his heart. “I put myself out,” he said finally. “Zeke never would’ve done it and it needed to be done.”

  Maverick bit back a sigh. Wasn’t this a room full of fools? “How long have you been in love with him?”

  Korey visibly blinked back tears at the question. That was a feeling Maverick understood too well. “Since day one. God,” Korey breathed. “I’m such a dumbass.”

  Rage burned inside Maverick’s chest on Korey’s behalf. “No. He is.”

  At Maverick’s outburst, Korey met his gaze, as if needed someone to be on his side.

  Maverick didn’t let him down. “A man like Zeke doesn’t keep someone around and give them as much as he’s given you unless he wants something in return. The way he watches you, I’d say he wants everything from you.”

  Korey snorted and went back to staring at the ceiling. “He’s already had all of me,” Korey said, taking him by surprise. The way they watched each other reminded Maverick of Zander and him before they’d hooked up that first time. “Now he’s over it,” Korey added, pulling Maverick’s attention back on topic. A low curse escaped Korey, sounding like came from his soul. “Fuck. If you already knew about Zeke and me why did you ask me to go to Vegas with you?”

  Maverick eyed him, going as far as to tilt his head to one side, wondering if he was overstepping. “I think we’re a lot alike, and maybe we’d be better together.”

  Korey’s eyebrows hit his hairline at the claim. “Better than what?”

  A sad smile pulled at Maverick’s lips. “Better than with someone who’s never been told no. Someone whose money has bought them whatever and whoever they want. Just better,” Maverick said, getting worked up. He looked away and crossed his arms over his chest, mimicking Korey’s heart-shielding pose. “Yesterday... I don’t know. I saw something in you.” He shook his head and flashed Korey a sad smile. “Never mind. You’re hot. We’re young. Why don’t we go ahead and hit Vegas? You can leave before Zeke’s fight and get your things out while he’s otherwise occupied. I’d make it worth your while.”

  Korey’s lips turned up in the corners. “I’m tempted to take you up on that just so I’ll stop feeling like I’ve been kicked in the balls.”

  “Let’s do it then,” Maverick said, shifting to his feet.

  “But,” Korey said, stopping him. “That wouldn’t be fair to you.”

  Maverick’s usual cocky attitude returned. He felt more like himself in that moment than he had since Zander wrecked him. “Babe, I’m eyes wide open and willing.” His smile slipped. “You’d be helping me too.”

  Korey released a loud sigh, sounding exactly like a man who would regret him one day. “All right. Let’s
go,” Korey said, coming to his feet.

  Maverick fought the urge to jump up and down like a little kid. He didn’t need Zander and his lies. Life hadn’t come to an end the moment he’d walked away from Zander, ripping out his heart in the process. If he worked hard, he might survive the loss.

  With Zeke’s title match happening in Vegas, Zander knew Maverick would come. What surprised him was the number of familiar faces he kept seeing around his hotel—like everyone had chosen to stay at the Luna rather than the hotel attached to the arena hosting the fight. He’d also been surprised to learn Maverick had checked in. Zander had been prepared to stalk him anywhere. Once Zander heard he’d reserved a room with another man, everything became clear. Of course, he’d chosen this place. He couldn’t punish Zander properly by being with someone else if Zander didn’t see it. Maverick knew him well. He’d known Zander would follow him here.

  Zander left Yaro to follow Maverick. His heart couldn’t take watching Maverick treat a guy his age like precious glass. It didn’t matter he’d done this to himself by coming here. The elevator door opened to take him to the top floor where he could get away from the sight of Maverick for a few minutes. Another familiar face filed onto the lift with Pytor and him. Hendrix didn’t look Zander’s way as the door closed them in together. Zander didn’t know if the man purposely ignored him or was simply lost in his thoughts. The way his eyebrows pulled together in a scowl could’ve meant either.

  They passed the third floor. Hendrix’s hand shot out, hitting the emergency stop button, sending alarms blaring. Before Zander’s shock cleared, a gun appeared less than a foot away, pointed at his chest.